Early pre-literacy (15 months)

[Anonymous]

If your child showed interest and aptitude for early pre-literacy, what did you do as a next step? Types of games, activities, etc.
I have a 15 y.o. who can name about 15 letters and points correctly to all letters. Recently he started pointing to letters pretty much anywhere (label on a soft toy, side of his bathtub, books) and naming the ones he can name. I am a little freaked out, but would like to give him age appropriate development opportunities. We don't own flash cards, but have a lot of books and a foam mat with letters and numbers (which started this I think). If you found great books or sites for early development, please share.

[Anonymous]

Add the phonetic sounds to the letters next. DS has a couple sets of letters. I taught my DS before he was two by playing with his foamy and wooden puzzle letters. Example: “Every letter makes a sound and T says ta.” Have letter T tap to the train. Find things that start with T.

[Anonymous]

And point to words as you read them.


Seriously, don’t freak out! 15 months isn’t that early.

[Anonymous]

Associate letters with their phonetic sounds, then frequently-found pairs or trios of letters. It will take some time, don't force it. Read to him with lots of expression, and pick out books with large writing and run your finger below each word as you read - not for every book, but just so he starts to grasp that reading is putting together sounds of letters.

My now grown son could name each letter of our magnet alphabet, even when placed upside down or sideways or partly hidden, at that age. It turned out later that he had ADHD and possibly a high-functioning form of autism. But he's a great reader and has excellent reading comprehension!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And point to words as you read them.


Seriously, don’t freak out! 15 months isn’t that early.

I am actually relieved to read it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your child showed interest and aptitude for early pre-literacy, what did you do as a next step? Types of games, activities, etc.
I have a 15 y.o. who can name about 15 letters and points correctly to all letters. Recently he started pointing to letters pretty much anywhere (label on a soft toy, side of his bathtub, books) and naming the ones he can name. I am a little freaked out, but would like to give him age appropriate development opportunities. We don't own flash cards, but have a lot of books and a foam mat with letters and numbers (which started this I think). If you found great books or sites for early development, please share.

Age appropriate would be concentrating on language which is a great predictor for future success and not rote memory which isn't. Put away the alphabet toys, and buy things that build concepts and dramatic play. A kid who can learn letters at 15 months will learn them easily later, so all you're doing now is teaching party tricks.

[Anonymous]

Keep reading, point to words, when she points at a letter (mostly if we wear shirts with words on them) we do the sound in a fun exaggerated way. She knows her letters and most sounds and has a couple of sight words now at 21 months. But no flash cards or drills, just keep it up with reading to her and answer questions.

We do this with all kinds of stuff - just read books and answer questions as they come up - and she's started yelling "octagon!!" when she sees a stop sign. Of course I think she's a super genius, but I also really don't want to do anything "academic" to push her. She's learning from daily interaction and showing interest in the things she likes most, which feels right for her age.

[Anonymous]

You’re DC is good until preschool academically. So focus on something else. Seriously. Social skills. Music. Swimming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re DC is good until preschool academically. So focus on something else. Seriously. Social skills. Music. Swimming.

You clearly haven't mastered reading comprehension at whatever age you are now. I was asking a specific question about something else. You didn't answer it, but provided unsolicited advice. How DC of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your child showed interest and aptitude for early pre-literacy, what did you do as a next step? Types of games, activities, etc.
I have a 15 y.o. who can name about 15 letters and points correctly to all letters. Recently he started pointing to letters pretty much anywhere (label on a soft toy, side of his bathtub, books) and naming the ones he can name. I am a little freaked out, but would like to give him age appropriate development opportunities. We don't own flash cards, but have a lot of books and a foam mat with letters and numbers (which started this I think). If you found great books or sites for early development, please share.

Age appropriate would be concentrating on language which is a great predictor for future success and not rote memory which isn't. Put away the alphabet toys, and buy things that build concepts and dramatic play. A kid who can learn letters at 15 months will learn them easily later, so all you're doing now is teaching party tricks.

Eye roll.... we're not having parties, no need for party tricks. It's something he likes, he has other toys too, but at this point I am not putting away books in order for him to unlearn letters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’re DC is good until preschool academically. So focus on something else. Seriously. Social skills. Music. Swimming.

You clearly haven't mastered reading comprehension at whatever age you are now. I was asking a specific question about something else. You didn't answer it, but provided unsolicited advice. How DC of you.

I understood your question. I’m an older mom and I’ve seen this before, and I told you what I would do. It came from a very sincere, been there, done that place.

[Anonymous]

Ask about bigger, smaller, faster slower,warmer, colder. Much better than letters at that age.

[Anonymous]

I have known kids who could read at 18 months, so while it's unusual, I'd say go for it if he's interested. It's a good skill! Keeps them quiet and entertained.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have known kids who could read at 18 months, so while it's unusual, I'd say go for it if he's interested. It's a good skill! Keeps them quiet and entertained.

I'd write words on cards (words he's interested in, of objects in his life) and match them with toy objects, have him go fetch the card for the word you call out, play games like that. Then make him some little books to read about himself and things he's into.

[Anonymous]

I would find a hobby for yourself.